RESIDENTS can have their say for the first time on proposals to build hundreds of homes in villages dotted around Colchester.

Developers have put forward sites for housing, ranging from one or two homes in an area of Fingringhoe, to about 140 in Tiptree.

If approved, they could reduce the need to build as many homes in Colchester town, including major proposed developments in Mile End and Stanway.

But there are fears some of the proposals could alter the fabric of village life.

Edward Gittins, from Edward Gittins & Associates, has proposed more than 30 sites for homes, employment land and open space to be included in Colchester’s Local Development Framework.

He said the framework, which outlines how Colchester will grow in the next 15 years, proposed the town should take the bulk of the growth, with surrounding villages hardly changing.

He added: “If there was any reduction to be made in the capacity in Mile End, some limited growth could then be provided in the villages. It’s a balancing exercise of the town and country.

“I believe the balance has gone too far towards the town”.

In Tiptree, Edward Gittins has plans for as many as 90 homes on the site of a poultry farm, off Bull Lane, while a proposal has been put forward for 50 homes on Peake Farm, off Maldon Road.

Colchester United have already set out plans to build 140 homes on fields off Grange Road, while Wilkin & Sons wants to build 180 homes on part of its current factory site, and move the jam plant a few hundred metres south.

Colchester Council has recommended only 72 new homes for Tiptree, on the Grange Road fields.

Karen Syrett, the council’s spatial policy manager, said none of the sites put forward by Edward Gittins were supported by the authority.

She added: “We consider we have allocated enough housing land to meet the 15-year supply and enough employment land as well.”

Although only a few houses are being put forward for consideration in some areas, there are warnings developers might be able to build more if in approved sites.

Developers can normally build between 30 and 50 homes per hectare of land approved for housing, so even if only five homes are proposed for a one hectare site, more could be built.

An independent inspector is expected to decide, in July, whether the council’s development proposals are adequate. If any sites are supported, developers will have to secure full planning permission to proceed.

To have your say, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/ldfexam2010 before July 6.